A total of 1.5m cars were manufactured in the UK in 2014, 1.2% higher than in 2013, and the highest amount since 2007, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT).
The growth came despite what the SMMT described as ‘challenges’ in the export market. In fact, cars made for export fell 0.5% year-on-year in the period to 1.2m cars. As such 78.2% of cars manufactured were destined for export. This was down from the 79.6% rate in 2013.
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Despite the slight drop in 2014’s export figure, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said that car exports in 2014 were still double those of 2005, reflecting the diversity of the manufacturing base.
He said: "The industry has overcome various challenges, including slower than expected EU recovery and weakness in some global markets."
A total of 332,952 cars were manufactured in the UK for domestic use, up 8% year-on-year.
Vince Cable, business secretary said: "These production figures are testament to the strength of our automotive industry, and show that even in tough economic conditions it continues to be one of the driving forces behind our economic recovery. From Sunderland to Goodwood, Britain is turning out cars that are in demand all around the world.
"The UK’s automotive industry is thriving with a new car rolling off the production line every 20 seconds, while increasing levels of investment are helping to secure local jobs. Through the government’s industrial strategy we are backing the automotive industry as it goes from strength to strength."
According to the SMMTs own figures, UK car registrations grew by 9.3% over 2014. This suggests that imported cars grew in market share in the UK in 2014.
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